Help deciding on first bike (tall rider)

johnny-grunge

Hey guys, due to a recent unplanned job change I can no longer commute by bicycle. I've been intruiged by the idea of getting a motorcycle for some years now but this has forced the hand. I know very little about bikes but have educated myself a small amount over the previous few weeks. I've also never rode a bike.

I am interested in a 600cc bike but am limited by choice somewhat as I'm on a budget of around €2000 for the bike and my height is a huge factor for me hoping to find something comfortable. I'm 6'6" and 16stone. I've been looking at Fazers, Bandits, V-Stroms and an F650GS I'm hoping to view this week. Ideally, I'd like a V-Storm for comfort but can't find any in my price range.

I'll be going for my IBT on an A licence in approx. 2 weeks time and the guy I'm doing it with has a Fazer so I'll get a spin on that. I like the look of the F650GS but I have a feeling it's gonna be snapped up this Friday.

One thing that has me slightly concerned about the BMW is it's a single cylinder and I've heard it will be more twitchy in the low RPM's. I'm not sure if this is good or bad for a novice. I've also heard four inline engines are the way to go.

I'd be extremely grateful if anyone could offer any suggestions or advice.

Thanks

Paulw

I'm 6'1 and ride an 800GS. Love it. Great comfort and good view over traffic.

TallGlass

When doing the IBT, try ride as many different bike as you can and get a feel for which one that way would be the best.

johnny-grunge

Paulw wrote: »

I'm 6'1 and ride an 800GS. Love it. Great comfort and good view over traffic.

That's a very attractive bike. The look of the dual sports appeals to me the most. Also, the versatility. 

Great idea. Hopefully the IBT guy has a few different options available. Thanks for the helpful advice.

frozenfrozen

have you had a look at http://cycle-ergo.com/

it's not perfect but will give you a good idea..

I'm 5 foot 10 with around a 34" inseam.. the japanese bike makers have a full size cut out of me in their design rooms

zubair

frozenfrozen wrote: »

h
I'm 5 foot 10 with around a 34" inseam.. the japanese bike makers have a full size cut out of me in their design rooms

haha!

johnny-grunge

frozenfrozen wrote: »

have you had a look at http://cycle-ergo.com/

it's not perfect but will give you a good idea..

I'm 5 foot 10 with around a 34" inseam.. the japanese bike makers have a full size cut out of me in their design rooms

That's a pretty sweet tool. Nice one brother! And, your a jammy dog! Hah

Pugzilla

An adventure style bike would definitely suit someone of your height.

Blanchy90

Im 6 foot 4 and I ride a sv650s and find it comfortable.

I thought the bandit was way too small.

A vstrom would probable be perfect for you

johnny-grunge

Blanchy90 wrote: »

Im 6 foot 4 and I ride a sv650s and find it comfortable.

I thought the bandit was way too small.

A vstrom would probable be perfect for you

I'll keep my eyes open for a good deal on a V-strom. That seems to be the most suitable from what I've read/been advised.

I seen a Bandit 650S yesterday parked up and it looked surprisingly small alright. Which is a shame cause an uncle of mine whose into buying bikes at auction and doing work on them has a smashing low mileage one that's right in my price range and I'd effectively be getting a warranty with it if I went for it. Dang!

I missed the SV650S from my shortlist somehow. I'll keep an eye out for them as well incase they're a nice fit.

Cheers.

Blanchy90

I haven't tried a bandit 650 but I sat on the 600 and it was tiny.

What engine v-strom are you looking for?


Whats your price range?

johnny-grunge

Blanchy90 wrote: »

I haven't tried a bandit 650 but I sat on the 600 and it was tiny.

What engine v-strom are you looking for?


Whats your price range?

Apologies on the late reply. I was looking at the 650cc V-Stroms but they're a little pricey. My budget is around €2500. The cheapest V-Stroms I can find are around the 3k mark and they're quite high mileage.

I was looking at a Honda Transalp XL650V that looks like it'd be right up my alley.

zubair

johnny-grunge wrote: »

Apologies on the late reply. I was looking at the 650cc V-Stroms but they're a little pricey. My budget is around €2500. The cheapest V-Stroms I can find are around the 3k mark and they're quite high mileage.

I was looking at a Honda Transalp XL650V that looks like it'd be right up my alley.

Maybe check out the Kwak versys too, same family.

johnny-grunge

zubair wrote: »

Maybe check out the Kwak versys too, same family.

I'd had a gander for them previously. There doesn't seem to be many on the market used. I've just been using donedeal to scout. Are they're any other places worth having a look?

Wonda-Boy

Will not go far wrong with a Vstrom 650 and they are plentiful to buy very reliable and comfortable. Most of them sell with full luggage too......

How long is the commute.....if its not that long you would get away with a smaller bike but I would deffo get an upright sports tourer/adventure bike at that size.

arybvtcw0eolkf

I'm 6'2'' and riding a Vstrom DL650. Its very comfortable, but be aware that buffeting can be a problem for tall riders. However the screen is adjustable.

At anything over 6 you're going to look like a parrot on a circus bike if you go the Bandit, SV, FZ route, they're just too small. Great engines, but physically small.

You might fit a Transalp too, they're cheap and once the rectifier has been replaced (most are) they're a very robust bike.

Have you considered a Honda Deauville 650?.

zubair

Konnor Round Stutterer wrote: »

Have you considered a Honda Deauville 650?.

... or a push bike?

arybvtcw0eolkf

zubair wrote: »

... or a push bike?

Although not the most exciting bike they're actually a very, very good commuter. One of the best in fact.

Cheap to run, very reliable and will put up huge mileage, great weather protection and have luggage carrying capacity.

Some really nice bikes in the OP's budget HERE (CLICK HERE).

Wonda-Boy

For a pure commuter hack is there a better bike then a DULLVILLE in fairness.....I really dont think so.

johnny-grunge

Konnor Round Stutterer wrote: »

zubair wrote: »

... or a push bike?

Although not the most exciting bike they're actually a very, very good commuter. One of the best in fact.

Cheap to run, very reliable and will put up huge mileage, great weather protection and have luggage carrying capacity.

Some really nice bikes in the OP's budget HERE (CLICK HERE).

As I was saying earlier, I have a family member who has a heap of used bikes up for sale. He initially tried to sqay me towards a Deauville 650. He has four of them ready to go in decent shape. But alas, I find them absolutely hideous to look at. I'd consider myself quite practical in terms of things I purchase normally going for substance over style but I just can't bring myself around to the idea. I'm probably being a complete idiot but I really prefer the looks of the V-Strom or Transalp. I'm gonna have a look at a couple and probably settle on one of them. I will reconsider the Deauville though. 
I'm very grateful for all the help and advice. Thanks!

johnny-grunge

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Will not go far wrong with a Vstrom 650 and they are plentiful to buy very reliable and comfortable. Most of them sell with full luggage too......

How long is the commute.....if its not that long you would get away with a smaller bike but I would deffo get an upright sports tourer/adventure bike at that size.

It's only 20km. Something tells me I'll be doing a lot of riding in my leisure time also so looking for something I'll enjoy riding about and something I won't want/need to upgrade size wise in the next couple of years.

Wonda-Boy

johnny-grunge wrote: »

It's only 20km. Something tells me I'll be doing a lot of riding in my leisure time also so looking for something I'll enjoy riding about and something I won't want/need to upgrade size wise in the next couple of years.

Well then dont get a DULLVILE, I really think a VSTROM 650 ticks all the boxes for you. Then when you get comfortable and want a bit more power the 1000 will sort you.

CBF1000 is also a good commuter but is starting to show its yrs looks wise.

zubair

You also can't do the test on a dullville.

But the advantage is you won't have to worry about bike security...;)


Wonda and Leppla aren't short lads and I know they started on the fazer, surprised it's too small for you.

frozenfrozen

adjustable rearsets and tank risers could really open up the options too

Wonda-Boy

zubair wrote: »

You also can't do the test on a dullville.

But the advantage is you won't have to worry about bike security...;)


Wonda and Leppla aren't short lads and I know they started on the fazer, surprised it's too small for you.

Brian was on a SV650 and in the poodle position, the FZ6 was a grand bike and an Ideal starter bike.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Although I ride a Vstrom now I think they're a hideous looking thing until you beef them up with a bash plate & engine guards. But they're really comfortable and a miser on petrol.

johnny-grunge

Konnor Round Stutterer wrote: »

Although I ride a Vstrom now I think they're a hideous looking thing until you beef them up with a bash plate & engine guards. But they're really comfortable and a miser on petrol.

I think the Vstrom sounds like the best of the lot. I like the look of them an all. They all seem to around €3500 which is a bit over budget but I'm gonna try my luck and see can I swing one for around the €2700 mark or maybe even €3000. I figure the comfort and enjoyment will be worth the few quid extra. Thanks again for all the help and suggestions.

blade1

Konnor Round Stutterer wrote: »

Although I ride a Vstrom now I think they're a hideous looking thing until you beef them up with a bash plate & engine guards. But they're really comfortable and a miser on petrol.

Yeah and that's all great Mak but you forgot the most important thing!!!!!

What are they like for wheelies??:D

The Diddakoi

johnny-grunge wrote: »

I'm 6'6" and 16stone. I've been looking at Fazers, Bandits, V-Stroms and an F650GS I'm hoping to view this week. Ideally, I'd like a V-Storm for comfort but can't find any in my price range.

I think you would find the f650gs too small. I had one for a few years, and am only 5ft 4 (female). Found it the perfect size for me and my short legs. Husband is 6ft, and looked very cramped on it. It is much smaller than the V-Strom, or even a bandit 6, which is what I have now.

johnny-grunge

alf66 wrote: »

I think you would find the f650gs too small. I had one for a few years, and am only 5ft 4 (female). Found it the perfect size for me and my short legs. Husband is 6ft, and looked very cramped on it. It is much smaller than the V-Strom, or even a bandit 6, which is what I have now.

I dodged the F650GS thankfully. I read a few things that put me off. I'm up and down like a yo-yo. I only really started researching bikes the last few weeks but I think I got it whittled down now to either or Vstrom or versys. I just gotta root one out now for a price I can afford. The versys is very easy on the eyes.

The Diddakoi

johnny-grunge wrote: »

I dodged the F650GS thankfully. I read a few things that put me off. I'm up and down like a yo-yo. I only really started researching bikes the last few weeks but I think I got it whittled down now to either or Vstrom or versys. I just gotta root one out now for a price I can afford. The versys is very easy on the eyes.

The Versys is a lovely looking bike. I had the Kawasaki er-6n, which is similar to the versys, only smaller. Great fun bike to ride

MLC_biker

http://www.adverts.ie/11880520 an option for a short time while you get through the test ?

johnny-grunge

MLC_biker wrote: »

http://www.adverts.ie/11880520 an option for a short time while you get through the test ?

I was speaking with this chap briefly earlier today just to see if it's still available. I'm going to make my way out to JP Motorcycles and have a browse next week when I got some time off. They have a few V-Stroms in stock so the plan is to try and haggle them down to closer the €2500 mark and see how I get on. Failing that I'll give that chap a call and arrange to have a look over the bike with a mechanic. The high mileage is slightly off putting but begged can't be choosers!

Thanks for the suggestion.

Sonics2k

Got spend a couple of hours last night driving a 2001 Dullville around Cork.

It really is a dull bike, but it was incredibly smooth to drive and very relaxing too. Not much too look at for sure, but for typically commuting you can't really go wrong.

Blanchy90

I was in the same boat budget wise and I ended up buying my SV650 for €1700

tonytoc11

I have a 03 SV650S that I'll be selling in the next week or so if you have any interest.

johnny-grunge

I end up buying an 03 Transalp. I had my uncle have a good look over it before buying. He's happy it's a good bike for the money. I love it looks wise and it feels great to sit on size wise. Now, I just gotta learn to ride it and I'm away!

Thanks for all the help.

Lyle Lanley

Good to see the opinions on the Deauville. I've just bought one three weeks ago. I'm home in Ireland for a few months and need cheap reliable transportation. It's perfect for that.

Aside from that, I don't think it's that dull. It goes a bit when you want it to and you can throw it into corners too, I've not quite scratched the panniers yet but we'll get there. It's growing on me very quickly. As a first bike I think it'd be a good buy.

zubair

johnny-grunge wrote: »

I end up buying an 03 Transalp.

Well wear!

MSVforever

Congrats! Enjoy and stay safe.